Scattershooting

By Pat Turner, Contributing Writer :
June 4, 2013

Edison's Justin Hernandez, left, tags Brennan's Dillon Gatian without the ball during game action at the Northside Athletic Complex March 23. Brennan won the contest, 10-3.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

Wearing several hats on the gridiron, Brennan's Dillon Gatian played quarterback then receiver for the Bears during his high school football career.

Dillon Gatian wouldn't have done it any other way.

Although the Brennan senior knew his schedule would be hectic, playing football in the fall, while running track and participating in baseball during the spring was the only way to go.

After being a multi-sport athlete in high school, Gatian's doing the same in college as he is set to play football and run track (indoor and outdoor) for NAIA Doane College in Nebraska.

“I've always been a competitor and like competing all year round,” said Gatian, who was recently named the school's male athlete of the year. “It will be fun. I go from football to indoor. I get a two-week break and go to outdoor. Three days after the national meet I go straight to spring football. I've always done this and want to keep competing.”

Prior to Brennan, Gatian's list of sports also included basketball and swimming. He was thinking of playing basketball in high school, but decided to use that time to rest up for the spring. Once track and baseball season came, he was on the go constantly.

The most impressive thing was that Gatian shined in all three sports. The success included two playoff appearances in football and baseball, including District 28-4A championships in both this year, along with two regional track meet appearances.

“That's the most fun I ever had,” Gatian said. “This year I went from a baseball game at Burbank on a 30-minute car ride to run in a track meet in Seguin.

“It was great going out there and winning a district championship in baseball and three days later winning an area championship in track. Playing three sports and helping build a foundation at Brennan is something I will remember for a long time.”

Gatian started out as a quarterback his sophomore season and played the role as a junior before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone.

When he returned for his senior year, DeShawn Key, who took over quarterback the previous year, remained in the role while Gatian moved to receiver.

The results were favorable as Gatian caught 35 passes for 753 yards and eight touchdowns as Brennan went on a 13-1 run that ended in a Division I regional quarterfinals loss to Cedar Park.

In track, Gatian won the 200-meter dash at the 28-4A Meet and placed second in the area, while helping the 400 and 1,600 relays advance to regionals.

During baseball, Gatian batted .318 with 12 RBIs.

“We knew Dillon could help us at the receiver position because of his speed and athletic ability,” Brennan football coach Stephen Basore said. “He was a deep threat and made plays. He's very versatile, and I think that showed in other sports.

“We try to promote playing more than one sport. Dillon stuck it out and was all-district in all three. Now, he has a chance to play in college.”

“I enjoyed seeing an athlete like Dillon,” Brennan baseball coach Nick Alvarado added. “He did a lot for us. I actually coached Dillon (in summer baseball) when he was 9 years old. To see him grow up and succeed is a cool thing.”

It's easy to understand Gatian's passion for competition. His father is Lanier's head football coach Don Gatian, and his mother, Denis, coached basketball at Somerset. Older sister Diandra was a multi-sport athlete at Brennan.

“Growing up, I went to camps with my dad and I was always up at Lanier,” said Gatian, who played against his father's team this past fall. “I learned a lot about the game from him. You always have to be positive about everything.”

Gatian is ready to show what he can do at Doane.

Because most of the receivers were seniors this past year, Gatian has a shot at making an instant impact.

He already feels comfortable with the coaches and players. What gives the atmosphere a homey feeling is being around several local players, including Clark's William De Hart, Jay's Adonis Hulbert and Warren's Kenneth Pelletier and Jerry Robertson. In addition, former Warren assistant Josh Littrell is on the coaching staff.

“I've known Jerry since I was 7 and high jumped against Kenneth in middle school,” Gatian said. “Adonis and I were on the track team together in middle school.

“Everyone at the school knows everybody. I was there four days and knew half the school already. They run a really good spread offense, and I'll get to be in a lot of plays.”